Universal Music CEO Lucian Grainge has updated his employees across the world on his condition after he was hospitalised in LA last month having contracted COVID-19. Reassuring his team that he is expected to make a full recovery, Grainge confirmed that the impact of this disease can be severe, and with that in mind urged everyone to comply with the instructions of public health authorities.
In a memo to staff he described how he "contracted COVID-19 and was one of the 20% whose symptoms were severe". He then added: "Take it from someone who's been there: this thing is not just some bad flu. It's as serious as it gets. As serious for the young and strong as it is for the old and infirm. Wherever you are in the world, take this pandemic as seriously as it deserves to be taken. Listen to and obey the guidance of your public health authorities".
Paying tribute to those who cared for him as he battled the disease, Grainge went on: "Today, I am at home and recuperating. Thanks to those on the frontline of this crisis - the doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers whose dedication and skill brought me back to health - I am on my way to a full recovery. I will never be able to thank them enough. And the first responders and all the other essential workers putting their lives on the line out there for all of us - they are heroes, justly entitled to our deepest respect and gratitude".
Looking beyond his own experiences of COVID-19, the Universal boss then thanked his company's teams for their work during the crisis. "I'm so proud of how your support for our artists and songwriters has not faltered", he said, "remaining as creative and devoted as it's ever been, even as you've found the energy and time to lend helping hands to our COVID-19 response effort". Confirming that he "can't wait until we're all back in the office together", he concluded by noting that, "in the meantime, I'll see you on Zoom".